DART secures $120 million for Orange Line project

The Federal Railroad Administration approved a nearly $120-million loan that will enable Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) to advance construction on the third phase of its Orange Line extension project.

The extension, which will connect Irving, Texas, with Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW), is part of a long-term effort to create a 90-mile light-rail network by 2014 to serve the Dallas metropolitan area.

"This investment will continue expanding Dallas' Orange Line, creating jobs and delivering a major transportation project that will help the regional economy continue to grow and prosper," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

DART's $119.9-million Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) loan will help finance the $397-million Orange Line Phase III expansion. The 35-year direct loan will be used to fund construction of a key 5.17-mile segment of DART's 14.5-mile light rail Orange Line. Once completed, the expanded line is expected to improve east-west connections between DFW and the DART system by connecting to the Green Line that runs through downtown Dallas, as well as to other transit services, including commuter rail.